The supplier of the Indian curry powder products, Rajah tandoori masalas and Rajah chilli powder, in the UAE is seeking to ensure that they are removed from the shelves of the country's supermarkets.
In an swift move, management of the Al Maya Lal's Supermarket chain began taking off their shelves these items from Sunday evening.
Al Maya Lal's are the suppliers of these products in the UAE. They received a letter from their headoffice to do so. The two products are not available now in any of their supermarkets.
"We actually do not know why we should remove them. The management has told us to do so. The products are still available in some of our stores, though they have been removed from the shelves, and Al Maya Lal's officials will come to pick them up," said a salesman there.
Choithram and Jesco, which is part of the same chain, and other supermarkets, said they will remove these items immediately and return them to the supplier.
Authorities in the UAE have started to address the issue because Indian chilli powders are widely available in the local market. Officials said steps will be taken to protect consumers.
Meanwhile, the food control department of Dubai Municipality is cooperating with the General Municipalities Secretariat (GMS) in investigating the issue.
"We have sent a note to the GMS to check the products and find out what is wrong. The GMS official have told us that they will soon give us their report."
Earlier this month the Food Standards Agency (FSA) warned that some Indian food products such as the chilli powder sold in the UK is contaminated with Sudan I dye, a chemical that could cause cancer.
Sudan I is a red dye used in colouring solvents, oils, waxes, petrol, shoe and floor polishes. It is prohibited from adding to food in the UK and the European Union.
The chemical was found in some chilli powders imported from India. It has also been found in a number of Indian relishes, chutneys and seasonings containing this chilli powder.
Investigations continue to identify whether any other Indian products contain the chemical. Officials of the European Union have implemented stringent emergency measures to regulate the import of Indian chilli powder following the findings.
The EU Committee also issued a decision which came into force last week. Cargos of dried and ground chilli coming into any of the EU member states must now be accompanied by a certificate showing that they have been tested and are free of Sudan I.
Any consignment that does not have such a certificate will be detained for sampling and analysis. Port officials can also test any other food products.
Anything containing this substance will be seized and destroyed. Local authorities are also collecting samples randomly.
Gulf News
